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Brains, genes, and language evolution: A new synthesis

Christiansen, MH; Chater, N; (2008) Brains, genes, and language evolution: A new synthesis. BEHAV BRAIN SCI , 31 (5) 537 - 558. 10.1017/S0140525X08003281. Green open access

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Abstract

Our target article argued that a genetically specified Universal Grammar (UG), capturing arbitrary properties of languages, is not tenable on evolutionary grounds, and that the close fit between language and language learners arises because language is shaped by the brain, rather than the reverse. Few commentaries defend a genetically specified UG. Some commentators argue that we underestimate the importance of processes of cultural transmission; some propose additional cognitive and brain mechanisms that may constrain language and perhaps differentiate humans from nonhuman primates; and others argue that we overstate or understate the case against co-evolution of language genes. In engaging with these issues, we suggest that a new synthesis concerning the relationship between brains, genes, and language may be emerging.

Type: Article
Title: Brains, genes, and language evolution: A new synthesis
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X08003281
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X08005281
Language: English
Additional information: © 2008 Cambridge University Press
Keywords: WORKING-MEMORY, SEVERE SPEECH, HYPOTHESIS, ACQUISITION, FREQUENCY, DISORDER, ORIGINS, MINDS, AGE
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/124403
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